Start, end, and a break
Use a 24-hour clock, such as 09:00 or 17:30. If the shift ends after midnight, check the box or enter an end time that is earlier than the start; the tool will add 24 hours. Then it subtracts the unpaid break you enter. For more detail on overnight work and the workweek, see the overnight shift page.
Updated .
Overnight examples are on the overnight page. Subtract several breaks with the break adder, then see weekly overtime.
At a glance
| Step | What the tool does |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Count minutes; add 24 hours if the shift crosses midnight |
| Break | Subtract unpaid minutes you enter |
| Overtime | Not decided on this page |
Use a 24-hour clock, such as 09:00 or 17:30. If the shift ends after midnight, check the box or enter an end time that is earlier than the start; the tool will add 24 hours. For more detail on overnight work, see overnight shifts.
Shift length
Common questions
How do I enter a shift that ends after midnight?
Check the box that the shift ends the next calendar day, or enter an end time that is earlier than the start. The tool adds 24 hours, then subtracts the break.
What clock format should I use?
A 24-hour clock, such as 09:00 or 17:30.
Does this tool decide overtime?
No. It only counts the length of one shift. Weekly overtime is on the overtime page.
Where is a longer explanation of overnight shifts?
On the overnight shift page, including a note that the workweek, not midnight itself, usually controls federal overtime.